Branching Out: Books for Fans of Julia Donaldson

This laugh-out-loud favourite continues to be a popular rhyming book for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children, with its whimsical narrative, catchy rhymes and humorous storyline (pants AND space aliens – what’s not to love?).

The playful text and super fun illustrations by Ben Cort capture the imagination of young readers, while the rhythmic flow and repetition make it hard to resist joining in. All in all an absolute essential for delighting young children at storytime.

This one is an oldie but a goodie. This fast-paced, hilarious, rhyming text follows Eddie. who is looking for his teddy in the woods. It’s super-fun to join in with the repeated rhymes and readers will love the HUGE surprise in store for Eddie when he eventually finds what he’s looking for. This book is a timeless classic, gorgeously illustrated throughout.

How would you solve the problem if 1 million wasps invaded your town? The residents of Itching Down find a creative solution by trying to construct a giant jam sandwich to trap the wasps.

Some of the language and illustrations seem quaint to modern readers, but this adds to the retro charm of the book and the strong rhyming structure carries the story at a great pace. Children love the imaginative efforts of the townspeople (supersize food always seems to capture young children’s imaginations) and the story could lead into a host of creative activities including baking, designing, acting and drawing.

This classic rhyming picturebook and classroom favourite has stood the test of time and is still a big hit in Reception and KS1 classrooms.

We love this highly original picturebook from Nadia Shireen.

The story is about a bear called Norman, who concocts a plot to get more honey by dressing up as a bee and attending bee school. Children will love Norman’s hilarious attempts to convince his teacher and classmates that he’s a real bee. This is a really funny book with hilarious twists and turns, and ultimately a happy resolution about acceptance and being true to oneself.

The illustrations add to the sheer fun and this book is a real hoot to read aloud. Children love being in on the secret of knowing more than the characters about who Norman really is.

Hugely enjoyable and a big hit with 5-7 year olds.

This abulously funny picture book comes from Kes Gray, author of Oi Frog!

Zebracadabra is the master of magic. He is so clever, he can transform his animal friends with just one word – “ZEBRACADABRA!”
 Pink flamingos turn into black-and-white stripy flamingos, Green alligators turn into black-and-white stripy alligators and colourful parrots turn into – you guessed it – black-and-white stripy parrots! But he is the best magician in the world, so turning them back to themselves will be no trouble at all. Or he would be, if only he knew how!

This funny storytime favourite is perfect for sharing with little ones, bigger ones and is a definite for classrooms. As well as fun animal capers, the book offers a conversation point about being honest and owning up to our actions. We all feel like covering up the truth sometimes, but being honest is always the best way!

Highly recommended animal story for Year 1 story times!

A delightful, funny picturebook about Jenny Peckles, who lays eggs with speckles and other hens on Old Worrall’s Farm!

From the title, it gives the clue that rhyme is present throughout, which causes lots of giggles from children at story time (think of a tongue-in-cheek version of Hairy Maclary, but with chickens!). Children will find the writing engaging and have fun guessing at what the rhyme might be. There is also a brilliant surprise at the end of the story in the author’s note, for readers to realise that there is a real Jenny Peckles and the author is writing about the farm where she grew up.

This book is excellent for enjoying rhyme and language. It is a quick story to share, with vibrant pictures for the readers that add to the enjoyment of the book.

A lovely picture book to have in a class book corner or for a bedtime story for a younger reader.

We absolutely love Barry Falls’ rhyming and joyful picturebook, Tiny McToot. It tells the fun tale of Tiny McToot, a surprisingly small giant who demonstrates that even the littlest can make a big impact.

The story’s vibrant rhythm and engaging illustrations make it an entertaining read-aloud, sure to bring smiles to EYFS and KS1 classrooms.

This book also carries an empowering message. It champions the idea that size doesn’t determine strength or significance, making it a brilliant choice for boosting confidence among the youngest children in the school. Tiny McToot is simply a really fun and uplifting story that children will want to revisit again and again.

We love Lu Fraser & Kate Hindley’s characters in our house, and none so much as Gertie; the smallest yak in her herd who longs to be bigger. Through a heartwarming –  and once trepidatious – journey, she discovers that her size doesn’t define who she is. This tale encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and see the true value in who they are. And better still, it’s part of a series!